I am helping a widow determine what her S&W revolver is worth. In the process discovered that the 4 inch barrel has NO caliber markings. Other than a refinish, any opinions on the lack of barrell side markings and value are welcome.

The 1899 is in poor shape cosmetically but otherwise is in very good condition. SN is 3XXX. All parts are correct. Trigger and hammer case color is faint. Top of barrel has seven patent dates.

Thanks for your help!

Attached Images

	1899.jpg (125.9 KB, 72 views)
	1899barrelL.jpg (54.0 KB, 62 views)
	1899BarrelR.jpg (81.4 KB, 65 views)

It does not look refinished to me. Have you looked on the frame under the grips, right side to see of there are any indications of having been returned to the factory, possibly for a barrel change? Do you know what caliber it is, 38 Special or 32-20? That number puts it about 5000 less than one I have, which was shipped Jan. 1901, which would put yours in 1900 probably 3rd quarter as a guess. With the exception of a replaced barrel, I don't know why it is unmarked, and the barrel finish seems to match the rest of the gun. Hopefully Mike will be along soon and lend his expertise.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Caliber is 38. I am going back to look under the grips. I will post what I find. Thanks for your post.

Also have a look for the serial number on the barrel flat, near the ejector rod.

I have seen these stamped ".38 S & W Special" on the left barrel, and other original 1899s with no caliber stamp. Back in the day I guess it was presumed one knew the cartridges that fit your gun .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Model 1899 s/n 35XX shipped in June 1900, so your guess would be very close.

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High Caliber History

It's not uncommon for the barrels on 1899's to have no caliber marking. Most do have
the one or two line caliber marking, but some do not have any caliber roll marking. My
5" and 6 1/2" blue have no caliber marking, and my 4" and 6" nickel have no markings.
The 8" blue has no marking, as well. And these are all target revolvers.

So - not to worry about that. Check the serial number on the flat underside of the
barrel, and on the rear face of the cylinder. They should match the butt serial number.

To a collector, the gun is probably in the $300 +/- $50 range. To sell it to a dealer,
she'd probably get no more than $150.

Mike Priwer

Others have said it, and I'll just add my experience: Unmarked barrels on the Model 1899 are not unusual and not indicative of a replacement.

Thanks for all of the responses! It will be next week or later before the gun will be available to examine again (long story). However, I do know that the SNs on the butt, cylinder, and the underside of the barrel all match.

By today's standards, I think $300 is quite low. I am looking regularly for this model and there are few that even come up for sale anymore. I would quickly pay $300 and more for that example. Love shooting them.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

With that finish condition I would guess $350 to $400 might be possible in time. In a nicer condition and all proper mechanically I would see up to $500.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244